Ambassador A B Stewart Stephenson has officially stepped down as president of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA).

Stephenson, an attorney-at-law by training, confirmed his resignation from the post at a press conference at his offices at 88 Barbican Road in Kingston yesterday.

However, Stephenson’s departure will not come until January 28, when a new president is expected to be elected.

The current KSAFA general secretary, Wayne Shaw, has declared his intention to run for the presidency, and by all indications, a challenge is expected to come from former boss Rudolph Speid.

“It is difficult to walk away from the sport, but you must have the strength and the determination to appreciate and to know that when you have done enough, then it is time to step away,” Stephenson said.

“But it’s a decision the family has been asking me to make because they think I am spending too much time in the sport.”

The outgoing Stephenson said his decision to step away was influenced by his desire to return to private practice after his tenure as a lecturer ended at the Mona Law School at the University of the West Indies.

Stephenson said he will not leave the sport totally, as he will return to his old club Real Mona to serve as a vice-president.

As part of his legacy in his latest stint as president, Stephenson cited that a solid foundation has been laid for the continued development of the KSAFA and its “ability to maintain financial viability” and provide “additional benefits to our clubs” and “to bring a different image to the game”.

He also took particular pride in the acquisition in September last year of new offices on Beechwood Avenue, which fully embraces a corporate set-up.

Also, the reduction of an inherited debt of $6.6 million to approximately $4.8 million in two years is another source of pride.

“KSAFA is now in a good place and has established a solid base for the development of football in the Corporate Area,” Stephenson said.

But it was not all smooth sailing given the current financial climate.

“Our clubs continue to face challenges in maintaining their participation in KSAFA activities and competitions,”Stephenson noted. Despite this, though, he pointed out that sponsorship agreements entered “will ensure that all our competitions for the coming season will be sponsored”.

“The three-year agreement with Charley’s JB Rum and our long association with Jamaica National (JN), together with the revenue to be obtained by the RJR Communication five-year deal, will guarantee significant revenue for the association,” Stephenson ended.

— Hurbun Williams